Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The recent tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office have drawn comparisons to Trump’s handling of Afghanistan, where his administration’s rushed exit strategy enabled the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Critics argue that Trump’s approach to Ukraine mirrors his controversial dealings with the Taliban, highlighting a pattern of prioritizing direct engagement with adversaries while sidelining allies and democratic partners.
In 2020, the Trump administration signed the Doha Agreement with the Taliban, promising a full U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees. However, the deal excluded the Afghan government, emboldened the Taliban, and ultimately led to the group’s swift takeover of Kabul. Trump’s negotiators pressured then-Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to step down and make significant concessions, including the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners. Critics argue that the agreement undermined Afghanistan’s democratic institutions and left the country vulnerable to the Taliban’s brutal rule.
Trump’s recent interactions with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy have raised similar concerns. During his first term, Trump’s admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and reluctance to impose severe sanctions on Russia drew criticism for prioritizing personal diplomacy over holding Moscow accountable for its aggressive actions in Ukraine. His approach often sidelined multilateral discussions in favor of one-on-one engagements, a strategy reminiscent of his dealings with the Taliban.
Analysts point to Trump’s tendency to prioritize rapid conflict resolution and the reduction of U.S. military involvement abroad, often at the expense of broader diplomatic frameworks. In Afghanistan, his focus on troop withdrawal disregarded the consequences for millions of Afghans, particularly women and minorities, who have suffered under Taliban rule. Similarly, his approach to Ukraine has been marked by a willingness to entertain diplomatic engagement with Putin, even if it means lifting sanctions or making concessions.
The international community is closely watching Trump’s rhetoric, particularly as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches. Many fear that a return to Trump’s unilateralist foreign policy could destabilize global security and weaken alliances.
